66 
NATURE STUDY NOTES 
a shy bird, often frequenting kowhai trees near 
homesteads, but greater numbers are found in the 
“bush” country. 
THE BELL-BIRD 
SONG — Very similar notes and bell-tone quality 
to those of the Tui, being richer and more varied, 
but without the finishing downward slur. 
DESCRIPTION — Plumage, Olive green and 
brown. Head feathers, glossy with a purple tinge. 
Wings and tail, black. Legs, leaden grey. (Illus¬ 
tration, p. 51.) 
FOOD — Same as that of the tui; also same kind 
of tongue. (See above). 
NEST — Built October-January (sometimes two 
broods). Better made and more securely fixed than 
that of the Tui, but like the latter it is nearly 
always very high above the ground. Number of 
eggs: 4 or 5. (See pp. 43, 46.) 
HABITS — Both male and female birds share in 
the hatching and subsequent feeding of their young. 
Frequently imitates the songs of other birds. 
THE SHINING CUCKOO 
SONG — Consists of notes which are liquid and 
rather sweet in quality. The final note has the 
peculiar effect of giving a false impression of near¬ 
ness. 
d’.d’.d’.d’:d’.d’.d’|l:l|-.—|- 
cu cu cu _ phu ph _ u 
DESCRIPTION—Maori name, Pipiwharauroa. 
Head, beak and wings, bronze green. Neck and 
